Iran vs Ghana
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Iran is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 5.8 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 6.9 times larger than Ghana's 238,533 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 12.2 years higher than Ghana's 65.5 years.
IranGhana| Population | +154.8%86.0M | -60.7%33.7M |
| Area | +591.0%1,648,195 km² | -85.5%238,533 km² |
| GDP | +477.4%$475.3B | -82.7%$82.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +117.1%$5,190.17 | -53.9%$2,390.772 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.6%77.7 yrs | -15.7%65.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.1%10.7 | +163.6%28.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +178.7%8.3% | -64.1%3.0% |
| Capital | Tehran | Accra |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | GHS (₵) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Iran is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana, with 86.0M residents compared to 33.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Ghana is a nation of 33.7M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Ghana averages 141 people per km² (moderate). Ghana has grown at 2.12% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 5.8 times larger than Ghana's ($82.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Ghana's GDP per capita of $2,390.772 is 9% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Ghana.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 65.5 years in Ghana, a gap of 12.2 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana (65.5 years) is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years. At 28.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Ghana's infant mortality is 164% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Ghana (238,533 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Ghana borders 3 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Ghana's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Ghana is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Ghana belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Ghana is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Ghana is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Ghana's $82.3B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Ghana is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Ghana's 28.2 per 1,000 represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Ghana's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.2x that of Ghana ($2,390.772). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Ghana is 2.7x more densely populated than Iran (141 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 12.2 years longer than those of Ghana (77.7 vs 65.5 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Ghana's economy grew at 5.6% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Ghana's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Ghana for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Ghana for Budget Travelers
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Ghana for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Iran vs Ghana Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Ghana can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Ghana for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Iran or Ghana by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Ghana's 33.7M. Iran is 2.5 times more populous than Ghana.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Ghana?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Ghana's $82.3B. Iran's economy is 5.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Ghana?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Ghana's 65.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.2 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Ghana's is 6.5 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Ghana?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Ghana's 238,533 km². Iran is 6.9 times larger than Ghana.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Ghana?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Ghana recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Ghana?
Ghana has lower inflation at 22.8%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Ghana's inflation is severely elevated at 22.8%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Ghana better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 28.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Ghana offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Iran or Ghana cheaper to visit?
Ghana is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,390.772 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Ghana can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specif...
Is Iran or Ghana better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Ghana may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Iran or Ghana more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Ghana, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Ghana offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iran or Ghana better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Ghana, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Ghana covers 1. Ghana's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...